You can replace an Infiniti key fob battery yourself in about five minutes
Most Infiniti key fobs use a coin-cell battery — typically a CR2032 or CR2025 — that you can buy at any drugstore or supermarket for two to five dollars. The fob itself does not need to be taken to a dealer. You need a small flathead screwdriver or a coin, the replacement battery, and nothing else. The whole job takes longer to find the screwdriver than to do the work.
The steps are the same across most Infiniti models from the last fifteen years, though the exact battery type varies slightly by year and fob design. Before you start, check your owner's manual or the back of your current fob to confirm which battery your model uses. Once you have the right battery on hand, the swap is straightforward enough that you do not need to visit a dealer or pay a technician.
Key Takeaways
- Infiniti key fob batteries are standard coin cells — usually CR2032 or CR2025 — sold at pharmacies and grocery stores for a few dollars.
- You need only a small flathead screwdriver or a coin to open the fob; no special tools or dealer visit is required.
- The fob opens by inserting the screwdriver into the slot on the side and twisting gently to separate the two halves.
- Once open, note which side the battery sits on before you remove it, then insert the new battery with the same side facing up.
- If the fob still does not work after the battery swap, the problem is likely a worn contact or a dead fob circuit, not the battery itself.
Locate the slot on the side of your fob and insert a flathead screwdriver
Look at the edge of your Infiniti key fob. You will see a small slot or seam running along one side — usually the side opposite the buttons. This is where the two halves of the fob meet. Insert the tip of a small flathead screwdriver into that slot, or use the edge of a coin if you do not have a screwdriver handy.
Push gently and twist the screwdriver as if you were opening a battery compartment. You are not forcing anything; the fob is designed to pop apart with light pressure. If it does not budge after a gentle twist, you may be in the wrong spot — check the other edges of the fob for a seam. Once you find the right place, the two halves will separate with a soft click.
Remove the old battery and note its position
Once the fob is open, you will see the battery sitting in a small metal holder or clip. Before you touch it, look at which side is facing up — the side with the plus sign or the blank side. This matters because the new battery must go in the same way.
Gently pry the old battery out of its holder using the edge of your screwdriver or your fingernail. Do not force it; it should come free with light pressure. Set the old battery aside. If the battery is stuck or corroded, a tiny drop of vinegar on a cotton swab can help loosen it, but usually it comes out easily.
Insert the new battery with the correct side facing up
Take your new CR2032 or CR2025 battery and hold it so the side that was facing up on the old battery faces up on the new one. Slide the new battery into the metal holder, making sure it sits flat and clicks into place. The battery should not wiggle or sit loose.
If your fob has a small plastic tab or cover over the battery compartment, make sure it is not blocking the battery. Some Infiniti fobs have a thin plastic sheet that you may need to move aside or replace after the battery swap.
Close the fob and test the buttons
Line up the two halves of the fob so the seam is even all the way around. Press them together firmly until you hear or feel a click. The fob should snap shut with no gaps. If it does not close all the way, the battery may not be sitting flat — open it again and reseat the battery.
Once the fob is closed, press each button — lock, unlock, trunk, panic — to make sure the fob responds. You should hear a beep or see your car respond. If the fob still does not work, the battery is likely not the problem; the issue is probably a worn contact or a failed circuit board inside the fob.
What to do if the fob still does not work after the battery change
If you installed a fresh battery and the fob still does not respond, the battery was not the issue. The problem is usually one of two things: the metal contacts inside the fob are corroded or worn, or the circuit board itself has failed.
You can try cleaning the metal contacts with a pencil eraser or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rub gently across the contacts on both the battery holder and the inside of the fob case. Let it dry completely, then reinstall the battery and test again. If that does not work, the fob circuit has likely failed and the fob will need to be replaced. A new OEM Infiniti fob costs between sixty and one hundred fifty dollars, depending on the model year. Some dealers offer refurbished fobs for less, and aftermarket fobs are available online for thirty to sixty dollars.
Where to buy replacement batteries and fobs
Coin-cell batteries are sold everywhere: drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, supermarkets, hardware stores, and online retailers like Amazon. A pack of two or four CR2032 batteries costs two to five dollars. Buy a pack rather than a single battery — you will likely need another one in a year or two, and having a spare on hand saves a trip to the store.
If you need a replacement fob, Infiniti dealerships stock OEM fobs and can program them to your car on the spot, though the cost is higher than online options. Online retailers like eBay, Amazon, and specialty key fob sites sell aftermarket fobs that work with most Infiniti models. Read the reviews carefully to make sure the fob is compatible with your year and model before you order. Some aftermarket fobs require programming; others come pre-programmed and ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which battery my Infiniti fob uses?
Check your owner's manual or look at the back of your current fob — the battery type is often printed there. Most Infiniti fobs use CR2032, but some older models use CR2025. If you are not sure, take the old battery to a drugstore and match it to the replacement. The two look nearly identical, but CR2032 is slightly thicker.
Can I use a different battery type if I cannot find the exact one?
No. CR2032 and CR2025 are not interchangeable — they have different thicknesses and voltages. Using the wrong battery can damage the fob or cause it to malfunction. Stick with the type your fob was designed for. If your store does not have it, order online; it will arrive in two days.
What if I drop the battery or lose it while the fob is open?
Coin-cell batteries are small and straightforward to lose. Keep the old battery in sight until the new one is installed. If you drop the new battery, check the floor carefully — it will roll. If you lose it, buy a replacement pack at any drugstore. Do not leave the fob open for long; moisture can damage the contacts.
Will changing the battery erase my car's settings or require reprogramming?
No. Changing the battery in the fob does not affect your car's memory or settings. The fob does not store any data — it straightforward sends a signal to your car. Once you install the new battery, the fob should work when ready without any reprogramming.
How often do I need to replace the battery?
Most coin-cell batteries last two to four years in a key fob, depending on how often you use it. If you use your fob several times a day, expect to replace the battery every two years. If you use it less often, it may last longer. When the fob stops responding or the buttons become sluggish, it is time for a new battery.